What Is the Difference Between the Old and New Testament?
Two testaments, one story — promise and fulfilment.
The Old Testament records God's dealings with the world and Israel before Christ — creation, covenant, law, and prophecy pointing forward. The New Testament records the coming of Christ and the birth of the church — promise fulfilled. Together they tell one story of redemption.
Promise and fulfilment
The Old Testament (39 books) spans creation to a few centuries before Christ, full of promises and prophecies pointing forward to a Redeemer. The New Testament (27 books) tells of Jesus fulfilling those promises, and the church he founded. The word 'testament' means covenant.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
One unfolding story
The two testaments are not opposed but united — one story of God's redemption, with Christ at the centre of both. The Old points forward to him; the New reveals him. As the saying goes, the New is in the Old concealed, and the Old is in the New revealed.
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them... the things concerning himself.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable.
Quick answers
- Is the God of the Old Testament different from the New?
- No — it's the same God throughout, full of both justice and mercy in both testaments. The clearest revelation of his character comes in Jesus, but he doesn't change.
- Do Christians still follow the Old Testament?
- Christians treasure the whole Bible. The moral truths and the story of redemption remain vital, while certain ceremonial laws found their fulfilment in Christ. The Old Testament is essential for understanding the New.
- How many books are in each testament?
- The Old Testament has 39 books and the New Testament has 27, for 66 in total in the Protestant Bible.
